India’s official entry for the Best International Feature category at the 2025 Academy Awards, Laapataa Ladies, has been eliminated from the race. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film did not make the shortlist of 15 features vying for a spot in the final nominations. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) released its list on Wednesday, revealing that Laapataa Ladies was not among the contenders.
The film, which had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023, is a feminist drama set in rural India during the early 2000s. Written by Sneha Desai, the film follows the story of two brides who are swapped on their wedding day. The film garnered praise for its storytelling and performances but did not make it to the next stage of Oscar consideration.
Meanwhile, British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri’s Santosh, which stars Indian actors Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, has made it to the shortlist, along with films from countries like France, Brazil, and Canada. Santosh tells the story of a widow who takes on her late husband’s role as a police constable and becomes involved in a murder investigation.
This year’s Oscars also saw another Indian connection with the short film Anuja advancing to the next stage in the Live Action Short category. Directed by Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai, it follows the struggles of a young girl faced with a life-changing decision between education and factory work.
India’s entry to the Oscars has historically been a momentous occasion, with Lagaan being the last Indian film to make it to the final five in 2002. Despite Laapataa Ladies’ elimination, Indian cinema continues to have a significant presence in various Oscar categories.
